L. C. Smith surprised the city when he announced plans for a $1.5 million office building on the corner of Second Avenue and Yesler Way. When it was completed in 1914, the 42-story Smith Tower was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. This picture was taken in 1912 looking across City Hall Park. (Seattlepi.com file/Museum of History and Industry) less

L. C. Smith surprised the city when he announced plans for a $1.5 million office building on the corner of Second Avenue and Yesler Way. When it was completed in 1914, the 42-story Smith Tower was the tallest ... more

Photo: P-I File

L. C. Smith surprised the city when he announced plans for a $1.5... Photo-766959.7033 - seattlepi.com

Chinese dragon guards at the top of the Smith Tower, Jan. 2, 1974. Photo-767012.7033 - seattlepi.com

Image 43 of 62

The Feb. 9, 1983 photo caption read: A salmon windsock once again flutters over Ivar Haglund's Smith Tower. This is the fourth fish to flap atop the tower since 1978. The last one blew away in a December windstorm. The Great Winds Kite Co. creation was put in place by an experienced mountain climber. less

The Feb. 9, 1983 photo caption read: A salmon windsock once again flutters over Ivar Haglund's Smith Tower. This is the fourth fish to flap atop the tower since 1978. The last one blew away in a December ... more

Smith Tower peaks out from the dust after the 2001 implosion of the Kingdome.

Smith Tower peaks out from the dust after the 2001 implosion of the Kingdome.

Photo: P-I File

Smith Tower peaks out from the dust after the 2001 implosion of the... Photo-766953.7033 - seattlepi.com

Image 49 of 62

The October 1996 photo caption read: Plans are in the works for a big renovation project for the Smith Tower, Pioneer Square Theater and the Collins Building (left).

The October 1996 photo caption read: Plans are in the works for a big renovation project for the Smith Tower, Pioneer Square Theater and the Collins Building (left).

Photo: P-I File

The October 1996 photo caption read: Plans are in the works for a... Photo-766941.7033 - seattlepi.com

Image 50 of 62

The August 1997 photo caption: Smith Tower building engineer Herb Swan checks out the safety enclosure on the observation deck of the landmark structure. Pioneer Square is in the bottom right of the photo, Occidental Park is the area with the heavy trees. less

The August 1997 photo caption: Smith Tower building engineer Herb Swan checks out the safety enclosure on the observation deck of the landmark structure. Pioneer Square is in the bottom right of the photo, ... more

The February 1995 photo caption read: Donna Decicio, assistant manager for the Smith Tower, stands outside on the buildings observation deck and enjoys the view. The deck is open to the public and cost $2 per adult and $1 for children and seniors. less

The February 1995 photo caption read: Donna Decicio, assistant manager for the Smith Tower, stands outside on the buildings observation deck and enjoys the view. The deck is open to the public and cost $2 per ... more